Good Knight Dad - Midland Classical Academy

General Echols and Brandon Shuman discuss the biblical vision for education and how MCA conforms to that vision

General Echols and Brandon Shuman discuss the vision and values of Midland Classical Academy

Welcome back from summer! General and Brandon are kicking it classical as they kick off SEASON TWO of the "Good Knight Dad" podcast with a hearty heads up about all the new and exciting things happening at MCA this year. But just as importantly they offer a timely vision for all the good things that are staying the same.

School may be out for summer, but the Ephesians 6:4 mandate is always in session when our children are at home. In the final episode of the school year, General and Brandon take a moment to reflect and appreciate all that has been accomplished at MCA during the past school year, but more importantly offer encouraging reminders for dads to keep engaging minds, pursuing Christ, and discovering greatness during the sweet season of summer.

Revisit (or find out what you missed during) Dad's Breakfast this spring with a recording of General and Brandon's conversation about how MCA bucks the troubling trends discussed in US Senator Ben Sasse's book - "The Vanishing American Adult."

With so many good influences surrounding our children is tempting to assume that they get enough of God's Word at church or at MCA. But is this sufficient? The Bible places this mandate squarely upon the shoulders of parents and especially dads. General and Brandon look into God's word for instruction and inspiration as we renew our commitment to training our children up in the fear and admonition of the LORD.

We've all heard the saying, "Blink and you'll miss it." This is an inescapable truth for every parent - but all the more so during the senior year. General and Brandon discuss the senior year at MCA as our students transition to life beyond high school and home and they share valuable insights into how to prepare to take advantage and enjoy the incredible moments the senior year affords.

Is education about Knowledge and Truth or is it about Virtue and Goodness? Surprise! Education is about both. Classical education aficionado and MCAG's amazing Kindergarten Science teacher, our very own Reagan Harper returns to the studio to discuss an often overlooked side of education with General and Brandon.

MCA is an imperfect place with imperfect people, but thanks be to Jesus - grace abounds! General and Brandon explain how to handle your frustrations and disappointments in a constructive way that benefits both you and the possible offender at MCA or your family.

With spring break in the rear view mirror it is full steam ahead to summer! Even though seasons are changing there are still minds to be engaged, Christ to be pursued, and greatness to be discovered in April. General and Brandon set the table for April so that you and your students don't miss what the final weeks of the school year has in store. Finish well!

Have you heard about the new phone policy in the Resource Center? General and Brandon explain all about it, its intent, the opportunities it presents, and the positive effects it is having.

MCAG's Matt Buckingham - the man, the myth, the legend - joins General and Brandon to discuss the 5th grade year at MCA and offer strategies to help your younger Knights discover greatness.

Upper School Dean of Students Andy Zinkgraf joins the podcast with General and Brandon just in time for Senior Oral season to explain everything you wanted to know about the Senior Thesis - what it is, how it works, and how you as a parent can prepare your student to thrive when their day comes.

Does the Grammar School exist only for the sake of the Upper School at Midland Classical Academy? While it's true that the Grammar School does an excellent job preparing its students for their Upper School adventures, there are many sweet joys to delight in and moments to explore during the Grammar Years. Reagan Harper joins General and Brandon to shares a timely vision for how to more fully enjoy the grammar years before they are gone.

One of the first distinctives students and parents at MCA notice is that it takes an 85 to advance to the next level. General and Brandon explain the distinction between "passing" and "mastery," the heart behind this standard, and strategies to help your upper school students achieve academic greatness.

Amy Avampato and General Echols discuss the amazing vision for the parent's initials on the home day study sheets. Understanding this powerful tool greatly empowers parents in their home school journey at MCA.

As the calendar rolls from January to February, General and Brandon take a personal moment to reflect and consider how we are doing as a school and as fathers in leading our families. Do our stated values align with habits? What are our habits leading our hearts to love? Are we causing our students to love Jesus and learning more?

Amy Avampato joins General and Brandon to explain the values that drive and define the life at the Grammar School.

By now most every Knight knows that MCA's vision is Engaging Minds - Pursuing Christ - Discovering Greatness. But what are the essential principles and values that continually drive us toward our vision? General and Brandon explain the Upper School's core values and shed light on some of the many ways they practically play out in MCA life.

General and Brandon kick off the spring semester with a podcast that recasts MCA's vision for the new year. They offer timely reminder of who we are, what we are about, and explain why MCA exists - to empower, equip, and encourage parents to overcome the daunting challenge of raising godly men and women who can meaningfully serve and effectively advance God's kingdom throughout their lives.

Clif Coleman, MCA veteran dad, joins General and Brandon to discuss what is different about MCA students.

General and Brandon attempt to set the record straight as to what takes place during each season of an MCA upper-school year.

Home days for Grammar School families can be a time of sweetness or stress - and sometimes both. The fabulous Amy Avampato returns to the Good Knight Dad podcast to share with General and Brandon what healthy home days look like as she shares clarity and practical advice for parents as you negotiate the multi-faceted realities in home schooling your children.

MCA is an intentional community. General and Brandon encourage parents to take advantage of the holiday breaks to enjoy time with family, rest up, and make memories.

Most parents know the MCA is not your typical school. But who sanctions and verifies our unique education? General and Brandon answer this question and discuss the vision behind a few other counterintuitive oddities as we try to pursue Christ through classical education.

Amy Avampato, head MCAG administrator, chats with General and Brandon as she shares valuable insights into the course of the Grammar School calendar. Her wisdom into each MCAG season greatly empowers dads to not only gain awareness into what is going on and the why behind them, but also provides powerful strategies to maximize what each month offers.

General and Brandon share the heart behind service hours that goes well beyond the helpful benefits of making copies, or washing windows. They share an exciting vision for how parents can take advantage of this opportunity to engage their student's world while modeling a powerful example of what biblical greatness looks like.

Junior year is a challenging season at MCA. General and Brandon distinguish the reputation from the reality of this year and hear from two-time Junior dad, Jeff Carter who shares strategy and vision for helping parents support their juniors as they discover greatness.

How important is reading aloud? At what age can my kids manage reading entirely on their own? Are audiobooks just as good? General sits with A.J. and Megan Perea, parents of 3 1/2 at the grammar school, and discusses these questions and more regarding readalouds.

Did you know that at the upper school most assignments can be revised for partial credit? General and Brandon discuss the purpose of revisions at MCA and in life as well as strategies for using them wisely.

As it is open season for Mastery with Honors Project ("MH Project") applications at the MCA upper school, General and Brandon discuss our unique approach to honors classes and how they spur students on to discover greatness.

Great Books form the heart of MCA upper school's classical curriculum. General and Brandon explain what these classes are all about and what they are trying to accomplish, but most importantly how dads can enter into the student's Great Books experience and to better engage and guide their children towards what is right and true.

7th Grade is a big transition year for any student - all the more so at Midland Classical Academy. General and Brandon sit down with Scott Layh, MCA Dad of an 8th, 7th and 5th grader and husband to MCAG 6th grade teacher, Jennifer Layh, to discuss winning strategies for parenting during this exciting season.

MCA's Athletic Director, Ron Miller, joins a discussion with General and Brandon about the role Athletics plays in Engaging Minds, Pursuing Christ, and Discovering Greatness at Midland Classical Academy.

General and Brandon interview Lee Dunn, veteran and current MCA dad of four, about what a father's responsibility is in the education of his children. Lee shares valuable wisdom and practical tips from his ongoing experience about how he has assumed this responsibility as an MCA dad.

General Echols and Brandon Shuman give an overview of classical Christian education.

General Echols and Brandon Shuman interview Collin Pedersen on the powerful influence of being a dad. Collin shares his story and insights into how he strives to be faithful with the mantle of fatherhood.

General Echols and Brandon Shuman discuss the biblical vision for education and how MCA conforms to that vision

General Echols and Brandon Shuman discuss the vision and values of Midland Classical Academy